Participatory research in Germany - quo vadis?

Abstract

Participatory Health Research (PHR) approaches are becoming more common in Germany. In this paper, appropriate support strategies for the funding and implementation of PHR projects in Germany are described. Nine strategies are discussed, based on the research experience of the German Network for Participatory Health Research (PartNet) and other international networks. In order to foster PHR in Germany, 1) funds have to be available for those participating in the research process, and 2) for the participatory processes themselves; 3) the requirement to promote participation should be incorporated routinely in tender notices, as well as 4) in special funding programs as a funding requirement; 5) participation in research projects should be part of a formative evaluation; 6) methodology development in this field needs specific funding; 7) review processes for research bids need to be adapted to take into account the specifics of PHR; 8) coordination needs to be established across participatory research projects; 9) and successful models and examples of participation in research should be disseminated. It is necessary to adapt research funding programs in Germany to the specific requirements of PHR so as to promote meaningful participation on the part of non-academic partners and to avoid tokenism.